Traore to pursue European dream

Melbourne Victory have announced defender Adama Traore will leave the club and head to Europe next season after two impressive Hyundai A-League campaigns.

Melbourne Victory have announced defender Adama Traore will leave the club and head to Europe next season after two impressive Hyundai A-League campaigns.

Traore, who joined Melbourne Victory at the beginning of the 2012/13 season from Gold Coast United, recently opted against extending his stay at AAMI Park.

Melbourne Victory Coach Kevin Muscat said the club had done everything it possibly could to retain Traore-s services, but the 24-year-old had decided to make the move overseas.

“Adama has been an important part of our defensive unit for the past two seasons and everyone at Victory was certainly keen to see him remain at the club, but despite our best efforts, that won-t be the case,” Muscat said.

“I realise the fans will be just as disappointed as we are that Adama is leaving, but I know every Victory supporter will join me in wishing him all the very best as he pursues his European dreams.”

Traore, who made 52 appearances in total for Melbourne Victory, thanked the club for its support over the past two years, a period in which he was granted Australian citizenship.

“I have loved every minute that I have been at Melbourne Victory,” Traore said. “While I would like to have stayed at the club next season, the opportunity to play in Europe is too good for me to pass up.

“I-d like to thank Kevin, my teammates and all the staff at the club for everything they have done for me.

"I-d also like to say a big thank you to the fans who have made playing for Melbourne very, very special and even though I am looking forward to the next stage of my career I'm certainly going to miss playing here.”